Tonj South County of Warrap State celebrated Monday World Aids Day under the theme ‘Getting to zero discrimination, new HIV infections and HIV Aids related deaths.’
Deng Kuch Deng, administrator of Tonj Civil Hospital, told the crowd that gathered for the event that the health authorities started testing and counselling in October 2011 and out of 400 tested people, four were HIV positive, Radio Don Bosco reported.
He added that in 2012, 20 were tested positive out of 1,073 people and in 2013, 19 were found to be HIV positive out of 700 people checked.
Mr Kuch urged the entire public of Tonj to test to know their status, calling on HIV patients to come for available drugs that can help prolong their lives.
County Health Officer Charles Malual Anei said that the people gathered to grieve and pray for their brothers and sisters who died of HIV Aids related illnesses.
He advised the youths to take preventive measures seriously and go for a checkup with their partners in order to reduce Aids infections.
The celebration which started early in the morning was attended by top county government officials including Commissioner William Wol Mayom and all NGOS in Tonj.